Teresa Hendricks (From Bourbon & Beans)
By Michelle Aiello
Bourbon and Beans
You may have heard that we at Bourbon & Beans have partnered with Bluegrass Greenworks, a local nonprofit organization that works to build a world-class green community in the Bluegrass Region. Over the years, their team has done a great deal to support businesses that include sustainable and eco-friendly practices into their daily operations.
Part of building a green community is supporting green commerce. That’s the idea behind the Bluegrass GreenCard program. The GreenCard is free, and you can present it at participating business to receive special offers and discounts.
Lucia’s World-Friendly Boutique in the Woodland Triangle shopping area has participated in the GreenCard program since it began in 2009. A GreenBiz in every sense, the boutique features an eclectic assortment of fair-trade artisan items from Guatemala and other parts of the world. By offering fair trade products, Lucia’s helps to improve the quality of life of artisans around the world, supporting their economic well-being by expanding the market for their products. They also carry recycled and upcycled vintage items and have a full line of alternative shopping totes.
Lucia’s enjoys a devoted following of customers who present their GreenCard to receive 10 percent off every purchase. I stopped by the boutique to chat with owner Teresa Hendricks about her success with the program. While I browsed the beautiful collection of jewelry, art, clothing and accessories, Teresa explained that much of their success with the program is the personal connection the store employees have with their customers.
When I asked what she does to get the word out, Teresa said that she promotes the program with a prominent sign by the cash register and through email marketing, but that word-of-mouth is really what works best. In fact, during our conversation, a woman browsing the hand-beaded bracelets mentioned that she always uses her GreenCard when shopping there.
As with all grassroots efforts, as more business follow Lucia’s example and start accepting the GreenCard, the amount of green commerce in Lexington will grow, and everyone’s quality of life will improve. Check out the list of GreenCard businesses and special offers. If your favorite business doesn’t participate, encourage them to do so! It’s a great way to vote with your dollars and increase the market for green products and services.
A big thank you to Teresa for chatting with me and answering our interview questions. I know I’ll be stopping by the boutique again soon. If you’re in the Woodland Triange area, visit Lucia’s at 523 E. High St. for a shopping experience you can feel good about.
B&B: Favorite bourbon?
TH: I don’t drink bourbon!
B&B: Favorite bean?
TH: Pinto.
B&B: Are you from Kentucky?
TH: Yes, Lexington.
B&B: Do you consider yourself to be sassy?
TH: At times.
B&B: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
TH: Work and coffee.
B&B: What’s your favorite smart phone app?
TH: Brainwaves.
B&B: What’s one of your leadership secrets?
TH: Perseverance.
B&B: Who do you lean on for support (let’s face it, we can’t do this alone)?
TH: My husband, mother and daughter.
B&B: When do you know it’s time for a vacation?
TH: When I collapse!
B&B: What do you look for in an employee?
TH: Initiative and creativity.
B&B: What’s a quote or saying that gets you through the tough days?
TH: We love what we do. Fair Trade empowers!
B&B: How do you relish your successes?
TH: It makes me happy to help others.
B&B: Why is it important to buy from local businesses?
TH: It supports local entrepreneurs and adds flavor to the area!
Michelle Aiello is Chicago-born writer and self-publisher, now living in Bourbon County. She writes for the Lexington marketing company Bourbon & Beans and works with local businesses to refine their look and message. She is the writer and publisher of Indigo zine and organizer of Ephemera Festival.
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